No, Parrilla is not playing a brand new character; this is her cursed alter ego.
However, theres still more of her story thats unknown.
So I thought, You know what, I like this.
Jack Rowand/ABC
Once you returned to set, how different did it feel without having those familiar faces around?
Was it almost a little refreshing to have some fresh blood there?It is.
I loved working with the old cast.
Jack Rowand/ABC
You know, my friends from all the last six seasons arent really going anywhere.
Do I miss working with her?
Do I miss working with Jared?
It just feels like Ive gained more friends working with the new cast.
Does it feel like a sudden weird connection when she sees Henry?No, theres nothing there.
And I like that.
Does she not like him?Its not that she doesnt like him.
I think shes just asleep.
I dont think shes quite in touch with all that stuff yet.
A few more things need to happen before she starts getting that feeling.
and like, Who are you?
Shes really proud of him, too.
What about where were picking up with Regina in the Enchanted Forest?Shes awesome.
Its like five to seven years later.
She was calculated, but she was more reactive to things.
Now I feel like shes not as quick to react.
She sits back, observes, and then responds, and thats different for her.
It just shows a level of maturity and growth.
Is there anything youve heard or hope for in the Regina-centric hour?I havent heard anything.
Obviously, weve seen Reginas journey over the years, but we havent seen Ronis.
[Laughs] How is her hair curly all of a sudden?
I like the choice with the new hair, and the new wardrobe, I really like it.
She reminds me of a biker chick.
I feel like theres a time lapse.
Theres a level of maturity, and I can speak for Regina, shes evolved so much.
Shes like a little fairy godmother right now, which I really love.
We are still focusing on these awesome fairy tales.
And theres a little more diversity this year, which I really like.
Do you feel likeOnce, at its core, is still intact?Oh, yeah.
I just think its a new chapter.
Theres just like a little edginess, theres more edge, theres a little more darkness.
Could new fans actually tune in to the show?
Would this be a good place to jump in?Totally.
But you dont necessarily have to.
you might tune in starting October and just go on this new journey with us.
Im not really nervous about anything.
Theres nothing negative that comes to my head at all.
I dont feel like theres really anything to fear.
I mean, doesnt that get boring anyway?
and youre like, Oh my God!
but then you stick with it.
Once Upon a Timereturns Friday, Oct. 6 at 8 p.m.
Check back Thursday for our interview with Andrew J.
